Siberian willow. Willow wild species

Since ancient times Willow (Willow) was a sign of the arrival of spring. Among the ancient Slavs, it was considered sacred and symbolized the constancy of life cycles.

At different peoples The willow was a symbol of purity and immortality, beauty and refinement, and at the same time was associated with sadness. In myths ancient greece Willow has always been associated with the world of the dead.

Indians South America Willow personified friendship and hospitality. When guests appeared, the bark of this glorious tree was added to the peace pipe.

willow names

The Latin name for Willow is Salix. From the Latin words sal - water, lix - close.

In Russia, Willow is known under the names Willow, Vine, Vetla.

Iva's cognates are found in many languages. The word is quite ancient, so there are several theories about its origin.

One of the versions of the origin is that the word comes from the verb to twist. After all, in the old days from Iva peasants vili a lot of valuable things. And in our time, Willow is an excellent raw material for wicker furniture.

According to another version, the word came from ancient languages ​​and meant "reddish wood."

Where Willow Grows

There are about 550 species of willow, and they are concentrated mainly in the northern hemisphere. Siberia, northern China, northern Europe, northern America are places where this tree can be found.

Willow widely distributed in central Russia.

The tree can be up to 15 meters high, but there are species more than 35 meters with a trunk girth of more than half a meter.

Willow loves moisture, so often this large sprawling tree or its smaller species can be found along the banks of rivers and lakes.

Like garlands, green branches hang from the banks and gently touch the surface of the water.

What does Iva look like?

In Russia, there are a huge number of types of Willow, however, the most famous - weeping. It was she who often became the hero of many fairy tales, poems and stories in Russian folklore.

The height of this tree is up to 25 meters. The bark is silvery gray. The crown is spreading, slightly transparent and transmits light well. The branches are thin and graceful, like the curves of the trunk.

When Willow Blooms

willow buds appear in winter. Red-yellow and brown shoots are the first sign of the awakening of spring.

In April, when the snow has not yet melted, the buds begin to glow yellow. Early bees, flies and butterflies rush to the feast. After all, these flowers are excellent sources of honey.

Healing properties of willow

Willow bark decoction relieves rheumatic pains, and is also used in the treatment of colds and fever.

willow bark rich in tannins, therefore it is used in the manufacture medicines with disinfectant and antipyretic properties. In addition, the bark has a diuretic and diaphoretic effect.

Salicin (translated from the Latin "willow") is also obtained from the bark of this tree. Salicin is the basis of aspirin.

Willow bark preparations also have hemostatic properties. In inflammatory processes of the skin and abscesses, an ointment from crushed bark and a fatty base is used.

With thrombophlebitis, foot baths are taken from Willow decoction.

Dandruff, itching, hair loss are troubles that a decoction of Burdock and Willow bark can handle.

However, you should not abuse willow decoctions due to the large amount of tannins in its bark.

Willow Application

Willow is of great importance for agriculture and plays a large role in replenishing natural resources.

Willow It is used as a barrier plantation, creating its own microclimate for planting and a protective area from the winds.

In depleted and depleted soil zones, Willow often becomes a "pioneer" and improves soil conditions for other plants. fallen willow foliage improves the composition of substances. It is for these reasons that the cultivation of Willow is one of the techniques for improving forestry.

As a fast growing tree, Willow is an excellent source of material. Some species are able to produce an annual crop.

willow twigs used in the manufacture of wicker furniture, baskets and other household items. The ease of replenishing these resources saves the forces of nature and makes it possible to preserve valuable forest plantations.

Joiners use willow bark when staining wood to imitate more expensive and valuable wood.

AT traditional medicine Willow was and still is natural remedy from malaria, as it is a valuable source of quinine.

Willow is a very tenacious plant and grows even in the most depleted and scorched areas.

Willow is a very ancient plant. This is evidenced by deposits of the Cretaceous formation.

Weeping willow got its name due to the fact that it can literally cry. When near bodies of water, willow roots are often submerged in water. Excess fluid from the leaves and bark of the willow is removed through the leaves.

The article uses illustrations from the authors: W oodmen19, apply3 , baralgin68 , kirill.batalow , mikhailprau (Yandex.Fotki)

(Salix alba)

White willow - large deciduous tree. Young branches are very effective, thin, hanging down, silver-pubescent at the ends. Has a high growth rate. It is not demanding on soil fertility. Photophilous, tolerates prolonged waterlogging of the soil. Frost resistance is high. Handles haircut well. Used in solitary plantings. An integral component in the compositions of large parks and forest parks located on the banks of large reservoirs.

(Salix caprea Kilmarnock)

Willow goat Kilmarnock - a small ornamental tree with a weeping crown. The height depends on the level of vaccination. Grows fast. Unpretentious. Light-requiring, but can tolerate a little shading. Demanding on humidity. Frost-resistant. Recommended for planting near water bodies.

(Salix carpea Pendula)

Willow goat Pendula - a small ornamental tree with a weeping crown. The height depends on the level of vaccination. It blooms with numerous earrings of silver color. Photophilous. Grows on soils of different fertility and different humidity. Frost resistance is high. Looks great in group plantings and as a plant near a pond.

(Salix fragilis)

Brittle willow is a deciduous tree or large shrub with a very soft crown shape, resembling clouds from afar. Grows fast. Photophilous, tolerates partial shade. Demanding on soil moisture, resistant to flooding. Widely used in landscaping. Recommended for casing canals, banks, reservoirs.

(Salix purpurea)

Willow purple - deciduous shrub with a semicircular densely branched crown. The branches are thin, reddish-brown, with a bluish bloom. Grows pretty fast. It is undemanding to the soil, it can grow even on the sands. Light-requiring, but tolerates shading and partial shade. Frost-resistant. Handles haircut well. Used in single plantings, in groups, hedges, near water bodies.

(Salix purpurea Majak)

Willow purple Lighthouse - very openwork shrub with graceful pink-red shoots. Light-requiring, grows well in sunny areas. Prefers moderately moist soils. Winter-hardy. Looks good in compositions with trees and shrubs and as a solitary plant. Used in hedges.

(Salix purpurea Nana)

Willow purple Nana - fast growing shrub with silvery-green leaves and reddish-brown shoots. It is undemanding to the soil, it can grow even on the sands. Light-requiring, but tolerates shading and partial shade. Frost-resistant. Requires wind protection. Handles haircut well. Used in single plantings, in groups, hedges, for planting near water bodies.

(Salix purpurea Pendula)

Willow purple Pendula - dense shrub with very thin arched purple shoots. Differs in an openwork, weeping crown shape, bluish-green foliage and small size. The height of the plant depends on the height of the trunk, which is grafted. Photophilous. Prefers moist soils. Tolerates prolonged flooding. Drought-resistant. Can grow in very dry conditions. It has high winter hardiness. It is used for solitary plantings on the lawn, near water bodies, creating groups with shrubs with various crown shapes.

(Salix babylonica Sverdlovskaja Isvilistaja)

Willow Sverdlovsk winding - decorative deciduous tree 2-3 m high with twisted, strongly weeping shoots. The branches are golden, spiral, with slightly twisted leaves. Well adapted to Russian climate. Grows slowly. It is not demanding on soils. Winter-hardy. Handles haircut well. It is used in single and group plantings, hedges, looks great near water bodies.

(Salix integra Hakuro-nishiki)

Whole-leaved willow Hakuro-nishiki is an elegant spreading shrub or small tree with an original color and a spherical crown with slightly hanging branches. Prefers moist soils. In severe snowless winters it can freeze over. Handles haircut well. It is used in single landings, as an element of group compositions. It is applied in coastal gardening at reservoirs and pools. Looks best against the background of plants with a calm, dark color.

(Salix helvetica)

Swiss willow comes from the Alps. This is a dwarf shrub of a neat spherical shape with silvery foliage. Grows slowly. Likes fertile, well-drained soils. Photophilous. Requires sufficient moisture. Frost-resistant. Looks good in shrub compositions with conifers.

A wonderful tree, widespread in our country, is a willow. She is unusually pretty: a powerful trunk, thin hanging branches, graceful elongated leaves of the most different shades green, flowers in the form of fluffy earrings. Perhaps every inhabitant of the northern hemisphere is well acquainted with willow, and many grow it in their garden plots.

Among the people, willow is called willow, willow, willow, vine, willow, willow, sheluga, and the names differ depending on the area.

The tree has long served as an inspiration for poets, writers and artists. A. Fet, S. Yesenin, A. Akhmatova, F. Tyutchev and many other poets dedicated their lines to him, and G. Kh. Andersen wrote a fairy tale, which is called “Under the Willow”. The most famous painting depicting this plant is the “Weeping Willow” by C. Monet, however, the tree can be seen in so many landscapes.

Willow is also known in many religions. In Christianity, willow replaces palm branches in Palm Sunday. In Judaism, the tree plays the role of one of the symbols of the Sukkot holiday. According to Chinese mythology, the merciful goddess Guanyin holds a jug with a willow branch that exorcises demons. Willow trees are also often mentioned in folklore. A Japanese legend says that where the willow grows a ghost lives, and the British consider the willow an ominous plant that haunts travelers.

An unusual tree is famous not only for mystical, but also for quite mundane, practical properties. Willow is widely used in medicine, industry and manufacturing, agriculture.

• The medicine. Willow leaves and bark have been used to treat fevers since ancient Egypt and Greece, and willow decoctions were used by Native Americans as a pain reliever. Later, scientists discovered different parts plants a number of useful substances: tannin, salidroside, salicin, flavonoids. And the well-known salicylic acid, from which aspirin was subsequently made, was first discovered in willow.
• Production. Thin flexible branches have been used since ancient times by the inhabitants of the northern hemisphere for weaving furniture, fish traps, fences and fences. Vine weaving has survived to this day. Now from wicker most often they make baskets, chairs, caskets, cradles. Wicker items are extraordinarily beautiful and fit perfectly into many interior styles. Willow wood is also suitable for the production of paper, rope and even fabric, and sustainable fashion recent years revived interest in natural products from willow.
• Agriculture and Environment. The weeping tree is also widely used in agriculture. Firstly, willow is an excellent honey plant, especially valuable for its early flowering. Secondly, the branches and leaves are good for livestock feed. Broom is often planted along sloping banks or slopes of ravines. Thanks to the long winding roots, the plant copes well with erosion. The vitality and durability of a tree sometimes even becomes environmental problem, for example, in Australia, willow was widely used to strengthen the coast, planting huge areas with it. The willow took root well and replaced many local plants. In addition, the tree is used for cleaning Wastewater, formation of protective forest belts, drainage of wetlands.
• Gardening and landscape design. Willow, and especially some of its varieties and types, is a magnificent decorative culture that can decorate any area. In addition, the tree is unusually unpretentious and grows quickly. Many eminent designers include willow in their compositions, creating gardens in a romantic style.

Botanists refer the genus willow (lat. Salix) to the willow family (lat. Saliceae). Genus unites woody plants and shrubs, which may be deciduous or, much less commonly, evergreen. Representatives of willows are very different: some of them are large trees with a powerful trunk, reaching 40 meters in height, others are dwarf creeping shrubs. Appearance determined by the area of ​​growth. high views are found in the temperate and subtropical zone of Europe, Asia and America, and dwarf willows grow mainly in the north.

Most often, willow has a large weeping crown, consisting of a large number of elongated branched stems covered with bark. various shades: light green to dark purple. The bark of young shoots and trunk is usually smooth, with age begins to crack. The leaves, with rare exceptions, are arranged spirally and sit on a short petiole with two stipules. Their shape is very diverse: most often there are species with linear and narrow-lanceolate leaves, a little less often with elliptical and even rounded ones. The edge of the leaf blade is usually decorated with small or large teeth, although there are species with smooth edges.

Willow - dioecious plant with small male and female flowers collected in dense inflorescences-earrings. Some willows are blooming in early spring, before the appearance of leaves, others - a little later, in May-June. After flowering, the fruit ripens in the form of a box with large quantity small seeds with a dense white tuft. The seeds are dispersed by the wind long distances and, once in water or silt, retain their germination capacity for a long time.

Ornamental species, hybrids and varieties of willow

In total, there are at least 550 species of various willows in the genus. Such diversity is the result of natural mutations and human activity. Over a long period of study of the plant, many hybrids have been bred. Even botanists often find it difficult to classify one or another species, and what can we say about simple amateur gardeners.

And yet, it is possible to single out several, the most common species suitable for landscaping parks, squares and household plots.

Willow white or silver(lat. Salix alba) - a large (up to 30 m in height) tree with thick cracking bark and a spreading openwork crown. The plant is widespread in Russia and the former Soviet republics, as well as in Western Europe, China and Asia Minor. It occurs mainly along the banks of rivers and other bodies of water and often occupies vast areas. Very hardy and grows fast favorable conditions, in the northern regions, young shoots may freeze slightly. It is durable (some specimens reach 100 or more years), tolerates both lack and excess of moisture well, undemanding to the soil. Excellent for landscaping large, including urban areas, can be used to obtain vines.

Distinctive features of the species are thin hanging branches, painted in silver-gray, with age, the shade of the shoots changes to brown. Bright green smooth leaves have a lanceolate shape and a finely serrated edge, the reverse side of the leaf is silvery, slightly pubescent. Round inflorescences-earrings develop in the spring, simultaneously with the leaves.

I. white

The widespread use of culture led to the emergence various forms, varieties and cultivars.

Some varieties:

• Yellow (var. vitellina) - a large rounded crown and golden yellow or reddish shoots.
• Brilliant (var. sericea) - a medium-sized tree with elegant, emerald-gray foliage.
• Gray (var. caerulea) - branches are directed upwards at a slight angle, bluish-gray leaves.

• Silver (f. argentea) - young leaves have a beautiful, silver-gray hue on both sides, later the front side of the leaf becomes rich green, the reverse side remains gray.
• Yellow weeping (f. vitellina pendula) - very thin and long shoots falling to the ground.
• Oval (f. ovalis) - leaves of an unusual elliptical shape.

Among the large number of varieties of white willow, the following can be distinguished:

• "Golden Ness" (Golden Cape) is a variety that has received an award from the Royal Horticultural Society. The plant is especially attractive in winter, when graceful golden yellow branches are exposed.
• "Tristis" (Tristis) - a fast-growing willow of a classic appearance: narrow silver-green leaves on thin drooping branches. It has high frost resistance and is recommended for areas with cold winters.
• "Yelverton" (Yelverton) - a low tree or shrub with bright red-orange shoots.
• "Aurea" (Aurea) - a large plant with unusual, yellow-green leaves.
• "Hutchinson's Yellow" (Yellow Hutchinson) - a shrub reaching 5 m in height, decorated with graceful shoots of a reddish-yellow hue.
• "Britzensis" (Britzenskaya) - shoots of a red-brown hue.
• "Chermesina Cardinalis" (Chermesina cardinalis) - a very showy variety with scarlet branches.

I. "Golden Ness", I. "Yelverton", I. "Aurea", I. "Chermesina Cardinalis"

Babylonian willow or weeping willow(lat. Salix babylonica) - a tree characterized by brittle yellowish-green drooping branches. Distributed in the subtropical zone - Central Asia, Black Sea coast Caucasus, southern coast of Crimea. Contrary to the name, the birthplace of culture is China, from where it was transported to other regions. It reaches a height of 12 m, a crown diameter of about 6 m. In addition to long stems that reach the surface of the earth, it stands out with beautiful glossy, bright green above and silver below leaves. It is very decorative, as it has a short leafless period: the leaves fall off only in January, and already at the end of February they grow back. Babylon willow is especially good in early spring, when it is covered with fresh young greens.

I. babylonian

Unfortunately, the species is not hardy and cannot grow in regions with cold winters. Otherwise, the culture has no special preferences: it does not require special soils and easily puts up with short periods of drought.

Of the varieties, one is widely known:

• Beijing (var. pekinensis) - distributed mainly in China, Korea and Eastern Siberia. Also known as Matsuda's willow (lat. Salix matsudana).

How many more varieties of weeping willow:

• "Tortuosa" (Tortuosa) - a plant with interesting strongly curved, as if twisted, branches of a brown-green hue and bright fresh foliage.
• "Crispa" (Crispa) - this variety does not have twisted shoots, but leaves that form intricate curls on the branches.
• "Tortuosa Aurea" (Tortuosa Aurea) - twisted red-orange stems.

I. "Tortuosa", I. "Crispa", I. "Tortuosa Aurea"

purple willow(lat. Salix purpurea) - a plant, vernacular name which is a yellowberry. This species is found throughout the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere. It is medium high (average 3 m, maximum size- 5 m) deciduous shrub with dense purple or yellowish shoots pointing upwards. Elongated, bright green above and silvery green below. reverse side, the leaves are arranged in pairs, and not alternately, as in other species. The inflorescences appearing in early spring are purplish, hence the name of the taxon. Purple willow is often used for weaving, in ornamental gardening - as a hedge.

I. purple

The most famous forms:

• Graceful (f. gracilis) - a fast-growing shrub with elongated gray leaves.
• Hanging (f. pendula) - a shrub with a wide crown formed by thin hanging purple shoots.
• Dwarf (f. nana) - different compact size and neat spherical crown.

Among the varieties are the following:

• "Norbury" (Norbury) - an elegant undersized variety.
• "Goldstones" (Golden stones) - shoots of a beautiful golden hue.
• "Irette" (Irett) - a low shrub with narrow gray-green leaves.

goat willow(lat. Salix caprea) in the people is often called nonsense or rakita. Official name associated with the eating of this plant by goats and sheep. Wild specimens are often found in the temperate zone of Europe and Russia, as well as in Siberia and the Far East. Unlike other species, it prefers to settle in dry places, however, if this is not possible, it can also grow along the banks of water bodies or in swamps.

This is a large (up to 13 m tall) tree or shrub with sprawling powerful branches and oval bright green leaves. In shape, the leaves differ from other types of willow and resemble, rather, bird cherry. Earring inflorescences appear in early spring, even before the leaves appear, and numerous seeds ripen in May.

I. goat

The plant is widely used in medicine, agriculture, construction and crafts. At the same time, a number of decorative forms and varieties have been obtained, the main application of which is the landscaping of various territories:

• "Kilmarnock" (Kilmanrock) - low shrub with long drooping branches, greenish oval leaves and yellow or gray inflorescences.
• "Weeping Sally" (Weeping Sally) - a variety similar to the previous one, but more compact in size.
• "Silberglanz" (Silver gloss) - elongated leaves with a silvery coating on the surface.
• "Gold Leaf" (Golden Leaf) - the leaves of this variety, on the contrary, have a golden hue.

(lat. Salix integra) is an East Asian species, most often found in Japan, China and Korea. Differs modest (no more than 3 m in height) size and compact shape. Some botanists consider the plant to be a variety of purple willow. Stands out sprawling. reddish or yellowish. branches and narrow leaves with almost no petioles.

Often found as an ornamental culture, the standard form is especially common. The most popular variety is 'Hakuro-nishiki' (Hakuro nishiki) or 'Nishiki Flamingo' (Nishiki Flamingo) known for its compact size and beautiful variegated leaves in cream, pink and green hues. These varieties are often grafted onto more hardy goat willow and grown in middle lane without shelter.

I. whole-leaved "Hakuro-nishiki"

Willow brittle(lat. Salix fragilis) is a species familiar to Russia, widespread in Europe and Western Asia. The plant was introduced to North America and Australia, where it became a weed, displacing native species.

It is a large (up to 20 m) deciduous tree with a long lifespan. The spreading crown consists of thin branches that break easily with a loud crack (hence the name of the species). Broken branches that fall into the water take root easily, and when the current carries them further, they form new colonies. On the shoots are elongated bright green leaves.

I. brittle

In culture, there are several varieties:

• Bubble (var. bullata) - beautiful crown with soft rounded hills, a bit like a giant broccoli.
• Basfordiana (var. basfordiana) - a hybrid with bright, yellow-orange branches.
• Russeliana (var. russelliana) is a tall, fast-growing variety.
• Reddish (var. furcata) - dwarf willow with bright red inflorescences.

Decorative varieties:

• "Rouge Ardennais" (Red Ardennes) - spectacular reddish-orange branches.
• "Bouton Aigu" (Thin bud) - shoots from olive green to purple hues.
• "Belgium Red" (Belgian red) - burgundy shoots and emerald green leaves.

willow(lat. Salix viminalis) is usually used for vines, but there are also decorative forms. This is a tall (up to 10 m) shrub or tree, distinguished by long flexible shoots, woody with age. Young branches are covered with a short silvery pile that disappears with time. Very narrow alternate leaves appear in April, along with golden yellow inflorescences.

willow(lat. Salix acutifolia), also called red willow, grows in most of Russia. This is a deciduous tree or shrub, the maximum height of which is 12 m. Most often, the plant is found along the banks of rivers and lakes, but it can also settle outside water bodies. Differs in thin long shoots of brown or reddish color and narrow two-color leaves: bright green above, grayish-silver below. The plant is especially beautiful in early spring, when fluffy catkins bloom, and this happens even before the leaves appear. Most famous variety- "Blue Streak" (Blue stripe) stands out with graceful bluish-green leaves.

I. rod-shaped, I. holly

creeping willow(lat. Salix repens) - a very elegant undersized (no more than 1 m) species common in France. In other regions it is found very rarely and only as a cultivar. The main difference is a large number of branched stems, which are first covered with a silvery fluff, and then bare. Leaves are oval-elliptical in shape various surfaces: pubescent gray underside and glossy dark green above. Fluffy inflorescences bloom in April or May. The plant is protected in many areas of France.

The most popular variety is creeping silver willow (var. argentea) - highly valuable ornamental plant with densely pubescent grayish leaves and purple shoots.

Willow hairy or woolly(lat. Salix lanata) is a subarctic species that grows in Iceland, Northern Scandinavia, and northwestern Russia. It is a spherical undersized (no more than 1 m) shrub with dense branched shoots. Young shoots are covered with a short bluish down, with time the stems become brown and smooth. The leaves of the species are interesting - silvery in color, oval-ovoid in shape. The texture of the sheet is velvet, felt. The view is great for landscaping areas in the northern regions.

I. creeping, I. furry

spear willow(lat. Salix hastata) - another undersized shrub species, whose average height is 1.5 m, and the maximum dimensions are no more than 4 m. It grows on the slopes and banks of Arctic rivers, in the Alps and tundra. Wild specimens are often found in Northern Europe and America, the Far East, Siberia, Central Asia. The plant is distinguished by branched shoots growing upwards or flattened on the ground, as well as oval leaves, smooth on top and slightly pubescent on the reverse side.

Willow net(lat. Salix reticulata) is a low-growing ornamental plant native to Eastern Siberia and Far East. In nature, it serves as food for deer. This is a branched low (up to 0.7 m) shrub, decorated with branched creeping stems and unusual leaves. The leaves are oval in shape and dark green in color with a textured silky surface. Due to its elegant appearance, mesh willow is often used in the design of parks, squares and home gardens in the northern regions.

I. spear-shaped, I. reticulate

Willow in landscape design

A variety of types of rakita allows you to choose a plant suitable for specific conditions. First of all, you need to focus on the size and location of the site.

In wide open spaces large area large powerful trees will be appropriate - silver willow, goat, brittle in temperate climate, willow of Babylon in the south. Tall cultivars are perfect for landscaping city parks and squares, as well as arranging a protective plant strip along roads. The ability of the above species to rapid growth, smoke and gas resistance makes them indispensable for planting in areas of new buildings.

Willow, especially its water-loving varieties, is indispensable for decorating and strengthening the shores of various reservoirs. She adapts well to humid environment. The only problem is that the perennial grows very quickly, occupying free areas. The plant should be carefully monitored: young shoots should be cut down annually.

Medium-sized varieties of willow - purple, whole-leaved - are planted as tapeworms in open glades or lawns. They serve as the center of the landscape composition, around which are located more low crops. Another option for using such willows is the organization of hedges.

Compact species and varieties (creeping, reticulate, hairy, spear-shaped) can be placed even in modest-sized areas, these plants do not take up much space. Such willows look good as the lower or middle tier of a landscape composition of different heights, made up of perennial shrubs. In addition, undersized willow is perfect for decorating the banks of miniature summer cottages: streams and ponds. Thus, an original imitation of river landscapes will be obtained.

Cultivation and care

Grow a willow on your garden plot easy: the tree is very unpretentious and does not require complex care. However, the diverse species of willows often do not resemble each other and need different conditions: soil, amount of water and lighting. The way plants reproduce can also differ. That is why the first task of the gardener is to determine the type of willow and, depending on this, act in the future.

Location, soil, top dressing, watering

Almost all types of plants are considered photophilous. They easily withstand direct sunlight and prefer open spaces, however, a little shading will not hurt the tree. Willow can be planted both in the open sun and in partial shade.

The humidity of the site depends on the selected type. The vast majority of willows in nature prefer to settle along the banks of water bodies, so they should be placed as close to the water as possible.

[!] With the help of powerful roots, an adult willow consumes a large amount of water every day. This property of the tree is used to drain marshy soils and areas with near-surface groundwater.

Willow is not demanding on soil composition, although it prefers loose (water and breathable) and nutritious substrate containing a sufficient amount of sand with loam. Peat soils, in which moisture stagnates, the tree does not like and only some willows (white and purple) are able to grow on peat bogs.

Feeding and watering need only young fragile specimens. In the future, the tree itself produces the necessary moisture through a powerful root system.

pruning

Willow perfectly tolerates decorative pruning, and its crown with the help of this procedure becomes even thicker and more decorative.

Low- and medium-sized willows with branches directed upwards can be formed in the form of a ball or an umbrella on a stem (stem); in drooping varieties, long shoots that reach the surface of the earth should simply be slightly shortened. It is not forbidden to adjust the height of the tree, restraining its growth.

Removal of extra branches is best done in early spring, before the start of the growing season, or late autumn. You can slightly adjust the tree throughout the summer. To be trimmed:

• powerful leading shoots (this will restrain the growth of the tree and will encourage the emergence of young side shoots),
• excess shoots on the trunk (if the willow is formed on the trunk),
• branches growing inward and thickening the crown.

As for standard willows, there are two main forms: a fountain and a ball. To get a fountain on a stem-stem, the shoots should be shortened quite a bit at the edges, so that the length allows them to hang freely, forming a green likeness of water jets. The spherical shape requires more radical trimming in a circle.

[!] When pruning, always leave the outermost bud pointing upwards on the branch. In the future, a young shoot on such a branch will also grow correctly - up.

If an old tall willow grows in your garden, interfering with other crops and occupying a significant part of the site - do not get rid of it completely, but form a pretty green ball lying on the ground. Just cut the stem close to the soil surface. Thus, the trunk will stop growing upwards, and young shoots will soon appear from its lower part, which can be cut to the desired shape.

The trunks of young willows are often twisted or bent down to the ground. To fix this, you need to tie the trunk to the support, for example, metal pipe dug into the ground and left for 2-3 years. During this time, the trunk should straighten up and acquire the desired shape.

Reproduction and planting of willow

AT wild nature willows propagate by seeds, cuttings, and some species even by stakes. In cultivation, it is best to cut the tree, as the seeds quickly lose their germination capacity in the air and are well preserved only in water or silt.

Cuttings for planting should be cut from not too old and not too young branches. They should not be too thick or, on the contrary, thin - both of them are unlikely to give roots. Optimal length a separate cutting - about 25 cm. A young basal shoot, broken out with a "heel" (a piece of root), is also suitable.

You can plant cuttings for rooting at the end of October, before the onset of frost or in mid-spring. Leaves are removed from the shoots in the lower part and stuck into the soil at a slight angle, they can first be soaked in the root for a day, although without this the percentage of rooting is quite high.

If several willows are planted at once, then the distance between them should be at least 70 cm for undersized species, 1-3 m - for medium-sized and 5-7 m - for tall trees.

Pests and diseases

Willow is a food plant for many insects. The tree is attacked by more than 100 species of aphids, beetles, larvae of various butterflies, wood ants, and sometimes wasps build their nests on the willow. mature plant usually easily withstands the attack of insects, but young specimens can be severely affected. In order to protect immature willows, pests should be collected by hand or, in the case when the colony has grown too large, destroyed with the help of modern insecticides.

AT countryside young willows are often eaten by grazing goats. These animals should not be allowed close to the planted trees. Of the rodents, mice are dangerous, undermining the succulent roots and green shoots.

The tree is attacked not only by pests, but also by various infections. One of the most common willow diseases is rust caused by the fungus Melampsora, the main symptoms of which are brown and orange spots on the leaves. Fungicides - antifungal drugs will help fight the disease.

Willow - very beautiful plant which can be used for decoration suburban area. AT landscape design this tree is used for arranging a hedge, as well as for dividing the site into zones.

In the view of amateur gardeners, willow is a huge tree growing near water bodies. However, there are a large number of willow subspecies:

• tall;
• undersized;
• dwarf;
• ground cover.

Each subspecies has more than 80 varieties of willow. They differ from each other in the color of the leaves, as well as in the size of the plants. In order to choose a willow variety for decorating a summer cottage, you need to decide for what purposes you will plant a tree. The plant can be used, for example, as the basis for green.

Tall willows

Tall willows are trees with a height of 3 to 5 m. The color of the leaves varies from light green to silver. Varieties of tall willow differ in the shape of the leaves. For example, the crown of the Siberian Silver variety consists of pale green leaves. The length of willow rods is from 2 to 3.5 m.

Another tall willow variety is "Hakuro-neshiki". Gardeners call it simply "Japanese willow". This tree was bred in Japan in late XIX centuries to decorate gardens and create landscape compositions.

During flowering, the willow resembles Japanese sakura. Flowering occurs in summer period and lasts from mid-July to the end of August. This variety has one significant disadvantage- low frost resistance.

Tall willow varieties need to allocate a significant area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe site.

Such trees are planted not only for decorative purposes, but also in order to get rid of stagnant water. Tall willows are planted in places where it accumulates the largest number moisture.

Low-growing and dwarf willow varieties

Low-growing varieties of willow are used in the preparation of landscape compositions. Such varieties are bushes with several trunks, which are difficult to mistake for willow. bright representative of this subspecies is the "Swiss willow".

The height of this variety reaches 40 cm. After flowering, willow catkins become silvery. "Swiss willow" is used in Japan for growing trees.

groundcover willows

Ground cover willows are used in landscape design. Such varieties are planted to create a green carpet in the flower beds. The two most popular cultivars are 'Peppermint Willow' and 'Rosemary Willow'. In height, they reach only 10 cm, but in breadth they grow very quickly.

What is the difference between willow and willow? Few people thought about this question, since it seemed to everyone that these were just two names for the same plant. However, it is worth knowing more about it than you know.

willow family

Each is beautiful in its own way and willow and willow are somewhat similar. There is still a difference between them.

Willow is deciduous plant(shrub or tree). Its types differ from each other mainly in outward signs. In general, there are about 600 species of plants of this genus in the world.

The entire willow family on the territory of Russia has more than 120 species: chernotal, rakita, belotal, milk kita, willow, sheluga, goat willow and many others.

This plant has an unimaginable desire for life: any shoot, twig or stump stuck into the ground is quickly covered with numerous young shoots.

And how to distinguish willow from willow? When talking about these two plants, many people think that we are talking about one plant, but this is not so. They belong to the same genus (family) - willow. They have differences.

Some species of plants from the willow genus are called willow. For example: holly willow, goat willow, wolf willow, etc.

Signs associated with willow. What do people believe?

Many hopes people associated and still associate with willow:

A branch thrown against the wind will help calm the storm, and thrown into the flames of a fire will calm the fire.

Willow branches attached to the gate will drive away all evil spirits.

With the help of a willow branch, you can even find a treasure.

Previously, cattle were driven out to the very first place with the help of willow.

Ancient and other beliefs

1. The ancient Slavs called the willow the perun vine.
2. Children used to be bathed for health in a decoction of willow twigs.
3. Real vintage Slavic rite- wedding around the rakita.
4. Lithuanian peasant women prayed to the willow in the old days, so that she would help them - give a child.
5. Also in ancient times it was believed that willow helps in eloquence. In this regard, it was called the tree of poets and singers.
6. In China, willow is a symbol of spring and female beauty, suppleness and softness.
7. And the Jews in ancient times called the willow a symbol of misfortune, sadness, sadness, death, funeral (namely, a weeping willow).
8. In Japan, this plant also carries sadness and weakness. However, it also brings tenderness, and grace, and calmness, and constancy.

Verba (krasnotal) - the tree of Palm Sunday. This is a Christian spring holiday dedicated to the entry of Christ into Jerusalem. The Jews met him with vayami - branches of the Jerusalem willow - or branches of the date palm.

In the spring, when buds are just appearing on the trees, there is not a single leaf yet, the willow is the first to respond to the spring rays of the sun. She pleases everyone with her tender, surprisingly soft and fluffy buds. white color. And the willow begins to bloom along with the rest of the plants. And unlike the willow, it has small yellowish-green buds.

They also differ in the color of their bark. In willow it is reddish-brown, and in willow it is grayish-green.

How to distinguish willow from willow in other ways? In willow, thin and flexible branches are covered with elongated sharp leaves. And at the willow, the stiff and thick branches have wide and semicircular leaves.

They also have excellent habitats. Willow can grow almost everywhere, and willow - mainly near lakes, rivers, swamps, ditches, i.e. where there is water.

Types and varieties of willow

We continue to talk about how to distinguish willow from willow. Willows have a see-through, transparent crown, with flexible, thin and delicate branches, on which narrow, pointed, elongated leaves bloom. For the most part, these plants are up to 15 m high, but can be higher - up to 40 m. There are also dwarf, small willows.

Some varieties of willows:

1. Brittle willow - a tree up to 15 meters high and 8 meters wide. Sometimes it has a slightly curved shape and even with two trunks. It grows in territories from Europe to Asia.

2. Goat willow - a rather large shrub or tree up to 12 m high and up to 6 m wide with a short trunk and a round crown. It grows mainly in Central Asia and Europe.

3. Purple willow - a large 10-meter tree. It grows naturally in and in central Europe.

4. Creeping willow. The inflorescences of this lovely willow have pink, silvery and fluffy (woolly) scales. It can be grown in the garden, and in a container or in a container - on the balcony.

5. White willow - large tree up to 25 meters in height and up to 15 meters in width. Found throughout Europe. This plant has not only an unusually beautiful crown, but also the original color of the shoots: in summer - brown-red, in spring - bright yellow.

6. Babylonian willow - a wonderful weeping tree. One of the most beautiful jewelry gardens and parks in the south of Russia. This willow comes from Northern and Central China. Height - no more than 15 meters, width - 9 meters.

Holly willow - willow

This willow, like several other types of willows (named above), is called willow. Holly willow is a shrub or tree up to 8 meters high with an oval-shaped crown. Willow shoots are tender and flexible, with a pleasant bluish bloom.

Its leaves are linear-lanceolate, longish and pointed. They are shiny, green in the upper part, gray in the lower part.

This type of plant is one of the most unpretentious to any growing conditions. Propagated by cuttings and even twigs.

The answer to the question of how to distinguish a willow from a willow is given. But this plant not only looks great in nature, but is also useful.

From willow branches it is convenient to weave beautiful baskets, furniture, mats, various decorations for home and garden design. They used to make hoops for barrels from willow and those very magnificent arches for horses, on which silver bells rang beautifully ...